Ricky Hatton is getting back in the ring. The 46-year-old British boxing legend will face Eisa Al Dah in Dubai this December.
Hatton, from Manchester, has stayed close to boxing since hanging up his gloves. He's taken on roles as a manager, trainer, and analyst. But now he's ready to lace up the gloves again.
The former world champion made his name by beating Kostya Tszyu in 2005, winning The Ring Magazine and IBF world titles. He went on to face the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, losing to both. His last pro fight was in 2012, a knockout loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko.
Hatton's not been completely out of action, though. In 2020, he took part in an exhibition bout against Marco Antonio Barrera, going eight two-minute rounds.
His opponent for the December 2 fight, Eisa Al Dah, is also 46. Al Dah last fought in 2021, losing in the first round to Mexican journeyman Pedro Delgado.
Hatton shared his thoughts about the comeback on Instagram:
"No matter how old we get in life we still have goals, ambitions, targets to set yourself. We still have to have a reason to get up in the morning. Nobody more than me for my mindset and mental health. [This is] a very good reason to give me focus and keep me healthy, not the opposite."
He compared himself to other boxing legends who've made comebacks:
"Why did Mike Tyson fight again? Why is Manny Pacquiao fighting again? Why is Paulie Malignaggi fighting again? Why is Shane Mosley fighting again? We're fighters, it's what we do."
Hatton's excited about getting back into training:
"The fight is still some way off still but can't wait to get back in training camp again, train hard and feel good. As I have all my life I look forward putting a show on again for everyone. I appreciate people's concerns, but please trust me, I feel great and it will be nothing but great for me. Love Ricky. X"
Hatton's comeback is part of a trend of older boxers returning to the ring. Manny Pacquiao, also 46, is set to challenge for a welterweight world title.
The rules for Hatton's fight haven't been announced yet. But with both fighters in their mid-40s, fans will be curious to see how this plays out.
